Better Than Takeout Strawberry Basil Ice Cream with a Lime Twist

Better Than Takeout Strawberry Basil Ice Cream with a Lime Twist is the perfect summer treat. After making this many times, I’ve discovered the trick to a creamy, basil-infused ice cream that’s way better than store-bought. The fresh basil and tangy lime twist make this ice cream irresistible. Keep reading for my best tips or jump to the recipe card. If you love recipes like this, you’ll also enjoy Easy Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Chili and Slow Cooker Creamy Chicken Pasta with Sun-Dried Tomatoes.

Why This Better Than Takeout Strawberry Basil Ice Cream with a Lime Twist Is Pure Comfort
- Tangy lime twist balances sweet strawberry
- Basil adds a unique, savory note
- Easy to make, no ice cream maker needed
- Better than takeout, perfect for summer
What You'll Need for Better Than Takeout Strawberry Basil Ice Cream with a Lime Twist
Choosing the right ingredients makes a big difference, but this recipe is forgiving enough to work with what you have.
- Strawberries
- Heavy cream
- Milk
- Sugar
- Eggs
- Fresh basil leaves
- Lime juice
- Lime zest
- Vanilla extract
- Salt
- Optional: Mint leaves for garnish

📝 Ingredient Notes
- Strawberries: Use ripe, fresh strawberries for the best flavor.
🛒 Tools & Equipment I Recommend
- Immersion Blender — Ensures smooth ice cream texture. → See on Amazon
- Ice Cream Scoop — Makes serving ice cream a breeze. → See on Amazon

How to Make Better Than Takeout Strawberry Basil Ice Cream with a Lime Twist
- Step 1: Blend strawberries, sugar, and lime juice until smooth. Chill.
- Step 2: Heat milk, heavy cream, and sugar until warm. Add eggs, cook until thickened.
- Step 3: Blend basil into the egg mixture. Strain and chill.
- Step 4: Combine strawberry and basil mixtures. Chill overnight.
- Step 5: Churn in an ice cream maker or freeze, stirring every 30 minutes.
- Step 6: Serve with a lime twist and mint leaves.
Cook's Tips for Perfect Better Than Takeout Strawberry Basil Ice Cream with a Lime Twist
- Common mistake and fix: Don't overcook the custard to prevent scrambled eggs. Use an instant-read thermometer.
- : For a stronger basil flavor, blend the basil with the milk mixture instead of straining.
- : Freeze the ice cream in a loaf pan for easy serving.
Storing & Reheating Better Than Takeout Strawberry Basil Ice Cream with a Lime Twist
Short-Term Storage
Store in an airtight container in the fridge. Store in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 1 week. Make-ahead tip: Prepare the mixtures up to 2 days ahead.
Recipe Notes
- Chef tip: For a stronger strawberry flavor, use a combination of fresh and frozen strawberries.
- Best substitution: Substitute the basil with mint for a different flavor profile.
- Make-ahead: Prepare the mixtures up to 2 days ahead.
- Scaling: This recipe can be doubled or halved depending on your needs.
- Troubleshooting: If the ice cream is too hard, let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes before serving.
Want to level up this recipe?
Ice Cream Maker — Ensures smooth, creamy ice cream every time. → Check price on Amazon
Better Than Takeout Strawberry Basil Ice Cream with a Lime Twist

Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- Strawberries
- Heavy cream
- Milk
- Sugar
- Eggs
- Fresh basil leaves
- Lime juice
- Lime zest
Seasonings
- Vanilla extract
- Salt
Optional Toppings
- Mint leaves for garnish
Instructions
- Step 1: Blend strawberries, sugar, and lime juice until smooth. Chill.
- Step 2: Heat milk, heavy cream, and sugar until warm. Add eggs, cook until thickened.
- Step 3: Blend basil into the egg mixture. Strain and chill.
- Step 4: Combine strawberry and basil mixtures. Chill overnight.
- Step 5: Churn in an ice cream maker or freeze, stirring every 30 minutes.
- Step 6: Serve with a lime twist and mint leaves.
Notes
- Chef tip: For a stronger strawberry flavor, use a combination of fresh and frozen strawberries.
- Best substitution: Substitute the basil with mint for a different flavor profile.
- Make-ahead: Prepare the mixtures up to 2 days ahead.
- Scaling: This recipe can be doubled or halved depending on your needs.
- Troubleshooting: If the ice cream is too hard, let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes before serving.
Storage
- Fridge: Store in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 1 week.
- Make ahead: Prepare the mixtures up to 2 days ahead.
Nutrition Per Serving
- Calories: 320
- Protein: 3g
- Fat: 22g
- Carbs: 32g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 28g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Cholesterol: 130mg
- Sat. Fat: 14g
Nutritional values are estimates only. Actual values may vary by brand and portion size.
Better Than Takeout Strawberry Basil Ice Cream with a Lime Twist FAQs
Yes, prepare the mixtures up to 2 days ahead. Freeze the churned ice cream for up to 1 week.
This could be due to not churning the ice cream long enough or not using an ice cream maker. Try churning for longer or using an ice cream maker.
Yes, this ice cream is perfect for summer! The fresh strawberries and lime twist make it a refreshing treat.
Yes, basil adds a unique, savory note that balances the sweet strawberry flavor. It's a great flavor for ice cream.
Yes, you can make this ice cream without an ice cream maker. Freeze the mixture, stirring every 30 minutes until solid.
A Warm Final Note
I can’t wait for you to try Better Than Takeout Strawberry Basil Ice Cream with a Lime Twist and see how effortlessly it comes together. When you make it, pop back here and leave a rating or share how it turned out — I love hearing from you!






